The True American Bulldog Original Club of Australia

American  Bulldog  Canine  Family  Standards

The American Bulldog is the Bulldog of History in existence for at least 3000 years in Europe.  It has had many names and it's most notable one in Ancient times is that of "The Pugnace".  Recorded in Roman history as the lighter dog of war of The Britons (the second, heavier being The Mastiff).  The Bulldog has had a continuous presence from that time as discussed in articles in The Irondog and National Bulldogger publications and many books on the history of dogs.  However what we are concerned with here is the fairly modern variety - The American Bulldog, descended from this most Ancient Preserved Pure Breed.  The Bulldog came over to America with colonists in the early 17th Century as attested to by oral histories and ships manifests.  It is thought by many that the English Bulldog became extinct in Britain and was only preserved in the United States.  The English Bulldog (not British Bulldog) as it was known was no doubt accompanied by the Spanish (Alano Espanol), French (Brabant - not the modern french) and German (Bullenbeiser - absorbed in the Boxer) versions;  all of which meant/mean Bulldog or "Bull Biter" (A dog for biting/catching Bulls).  These contributed to a much lesser extent,  which is self evident by the dominant color of The American Bulldog, white.   A "Good Bulldog is a Good Bulldog" has been the historical mindset with worthy specimens borrowed and this is a matter of public record.  Let me carefully point out though that the gene pool for "The American Bulldog" was set in the 1980's, and when I say this I am referring to The True American Bulldog.  Registrations with Bulldogs in America from the 1950's were added to by Performance lines.  J.D Johnson had kept his own hand written records prior to this and his family had photo's of Bulldogs they had owned going back before 1920.

It should be noted that the original Bulldogs of Europe in Ancient times were colored.  The predominant white came into the mix with the arrival of the ancient breed, to Britain of the now considered extinct "Alaunt".   Though there are modern recreations.  In actual fact it became one of the foundations for "The Bulldog".  Its presence still strong with white or white with colored patches being the traditional color for "American Bulldogs" which is what we are concerned with here; though solid colors and brindle are recorded historically for some Performance American Bulldog lines.  Full colored Bulldogs have gained popularity in this Modern Era (Third Millennium AD {CE}).  Not all registries accept colored Bulldogs.  As far as Irondog is concerned however "A Good Bulldog is any Color".

In England and on the continent The English Bulldog like wise to the Alaunt did not die out but was rather mixed with the French\German varieties to create the Boxer.  And pure white Boxers of course are still born to this day.  Most of the Boxer Standard of modern times is devoted to expelling the influences of the English Bulldog ultimately to its detriment.  The result being the so called "Moxer" which still known for its unsurparssable stamina no longer has a functional bite and is no longer a "Game Dog".  The Bullmastiff descends from The English Bulldog also.  Whose breed records show the inclusion of Bulldogs from 30 something to 100 pounds.  This only goes to enforce the veracity of statements made by J. D. Johnson regarding the size of Bulldogs & the purity of his Type.  There are also newspaper advertisements for American Bulldogs in the 1930's that were over a 100 pounds.  As many know  a "man worker" is best at 90 pounds and above.  Even in the 1960's in England there were still Bulldogs (called Boxers of 90-100 pounds) and I have photographs of them with my Great Grand Father and family.  They look exactly like the American Bulldogs I still breed today.  It is a fact that has been lost to time that the terms Bulldog & Boxer were once interchangeable in Britain, "The Bull Biter"!  A Bulldog is not a cattle herder (though it can) it's a Bull Biter!  A dog for catching\apprehending Bulls with it's bite and holding them.  It is for some probably hard to believe that a 30 something kg Bulldog can pull down an adult Bull - but I have seen it with my own eyes.

I have touched on this in passing to help dispel the long held gossip that St. Bernard was crossed into The Johnson Bulldog to get size.  It is a deliberate slander maintained by people (not Dogmen) who do not understand "Game Dogs".   The hardest thing to find and the easiest thing to lose with breeding is "Gameness".  The characteristic determination through adversity which makes a Bulldog a Bulldog; "Heart"!  Johnson Bulldogs (Old School) have it in spades.  And it is simply impossible for the height and rate of the gameness they possessed for it to have been achieved with the crossing to a cur.  Johnson achieved size through selective breeding to atavistic throw backs to the larger Bulldogs best used for protection and in War.  He had a lifetime to do it!  I attest personally to the "True Grit" Johnson's possess - they saved my life!  And I can tell you that no cur was ever introduced to them by him!  Another reason for the re-branding of "The True American Bulldog"!  As reckless & dishonest individuals now bring curs into the mix, still recognized by American Registries as Bulldogs.

After World War II The American Bulldog faced near extinction in its southern homeland and was rescued primarily by J. D. Johnson and others like Alan Scott.  And four "Types" of American Bulldogs emerged in the 1980's with re-branding.  But they were and are known by a host of other names including: Old Southern Whites; Old-Fashioned Whites; Old English Whites; White English Bulldogs; Georgia Giants; Old-time Bulldogs; Working Bulldogs and Hill Bulldogs; still further names and last century also as American Pit Bulldogs (not to be confused with American Pit Bull Terriers).  Those four Types were, Johnson (aka Classic); Performance (historically called "Scott" - and with modernists now  "Standard"); Painter (Game Bulldogs) and The Old Southern Bulldog (group of eclectic breeders with diverse head types and physical traits).  And lastly a combination of Types previously referred to as Hybrid (though technically incorrect when the term was coined) amongst many Bulldogger's and Performance\Johnson at Irondog.  Performance\Johnson, to make a distinction from real Hybrid American Bulldogs - that is cross-bred American Bulldogs.  Which are still registered with the NKC and other American Registries to this day.  Infact until a few years ago only 80% American Bulldog blood was required for registration as an American Bulldog with the NKC.

These last 20 years or so of the Third Millennium AD (also known as CE), some dramatic changes have been introduced to the Bulldog gene pool and this has necessitated further re-branding of The American Bulldog.  Some breeders have infused all kinds of other Breeds (Olde Bulldogge; American Bully; American Pitbull Terrier and even Greyhound ) into their American Bulldogs for diverse reasons and this needs to be recognized.  Especially for those seeking to preserve The "True American Bulldog"; as set in concrete in the 1980's.  So firstly we will discuss the two Primary "Types" (not lines) of The True American Bulldog.  The Johnson and The Performance (historically- commonly called The Scott Type) Types.  Also known by some modernists since around 2000, as Classic (others Bully) and Standard Types.  The vast majority of Bulldogger's however still refer to these as Johnson and Scott.  So within the American Bulldog Canine Family there is division in the Breeds and Types of Bulldogs.  But it is important to address them as a collective whole!

The True American Bulldog Johnson Type

The Breed Standard for what has traditionally been known as the "Johnson American Bulldog" (also named by some modernists in the USA & Australia as "Classic").  We will note here that it was the express wish of Mr. Johnson (before he passed) that the name "Johnson American Bulldog" be retained forever along with His Type.   Since he is responsible for rescuing the Bulldog and without him we wouldn't have one at all - this seems a small courtesy.   By and large Bulldogger's still refer to these as Johnson Type (despite the best efforts of modernists to change the terminology to Classic Type).  Wanting to rewrite history modernists say that Johnson is only a line - that you can claim if your Bulldogs come from The Johnson Yard itself. This way of thinking is in my view is self serving but Irondog is content to work with both schools of thought and incorporate dual terminology on Bulldog Paperwork for clarity.

As determined by J. D. Johnson himself his "Type" of Bulldog is one that has 87.5% Johnson Blood (and 100% Bulldog Blood).  This includes a variety of Phenotype's.   The Johnson True American Bulldog is not a reconstruction but the direct pure blood descendant of; and faithfully preserved "Plantation Bulldog" of The South, distinguished as one of four traditional American representations of The Bulldog.  The other three being the "Working" (Hunting) American Bulldog (Scott); the all purpose farm Bulldog of Old Southern blood (or example Joshua Kennels) and lastly the Game American Bulldog used in Pit Fighting (Painter-Margentina) all of which generally come under the umbrella of "Performance Type" (a.k.a "Standard Type") when working out percentages of Blood lines for "Type" classification purposes.  Ideologically in essence you have the "Hunting Type" and the "Plantation Type" and Form follows Function.

                                                         The True American Bulldog Johnson Type (a.k.a Classic) Irondog Standard

TEMPERAMENT: Courageous. "A Good Bulldog is one that will fight to the death or give up it's life for it's owner!  Not to be confused with an APBT.  "A Good American Pitbull Terrier is one - that kills for the want of killing" (The Complete Gamebook)". A Bulldog is protective (of person and property) and very territorial;  with innate suspicion of strangers and strange dogs.  Naturally dog dominant (with dog aggression not a fault*); often "very stubborn to a fault but still "tractable and fitting in with it's masters activities (including long walks and runs, but equally relaxed on the porch without the need for daily exercise).

Independent and intelligent; yet loyal and devoted, doting on its master and family.  Affectionate and very much wanting to be a part of!  With very steady nerves (totally trust worthy with children) and a high pain tolerance when push comes to shove; frequently quirky and humorous - liking to Star.  A good Bulldog does not suffer from separation anxiety (as reported on some websites) and will entertain itself.  Although independent, the historical adage goes that a Bulldog that is deprived of it's masters company and harshly excluded will return that hostility.

Johnson Bulldogs want to be number one in your affections. The "There can be only One" mentality is common in American Bulldogs.  Bullying other dogs is characteristic of Bulldogs but they can run together and safely with "early socialization* which is especially paramount with Johnson's; and a firm hand!  Although the general rule of thumb is "One Home - One Bulldog".  De-sexing can moderate a Bulldogs intensity but it won't eliminate it altogether.

PURPOSE: Protection of person\property and farm animals, companionship, working livestock, catching cattle and hogs, and to a lesser extent hunting.  Guarding against intruders of the two and four legged kind comes naturally to a Bulldog.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Being that of a grand, intelligent and powerful dog showing strength and alertness.  Powerfully built, having significant endurance and strength but active.

SIZE: Males should measure between 23 to 28 inches (58 cm. to 72 cm.) at the withers; 1 inch (2.54 cm.) variation in height allowed. Weighing between 90 to 150 pounds (41 kg. to 68 kg.). Plus or minus 5 to 10 pounds (2.2 kg. to 4.5 kg.) is acceptable.

SIZE: Females should measure between 20 to 26 inches (51 cm. to 58 cm.) at the withers; 1 inch (2.54 cm.) variation in height allowed. Weighing between 70 to 130 pounds (32 kg. to 54 kg.). Plus or minus 5 to 10 pounds (2.2 kg. to 4.5 kg.) is acceptable.

HEAD: The face of the dog should indicate intelligence, with discerning alertness. The skull should be square or have a round "basketball" look that is well muscled. The "stop" should be deep and abrupt.

MUZZLE: The "muzzle" should be broad, not long and narrow. The length of the "muzzle" should be 1 1/2 to 3 inches (3.81 cm. to 7.62 cm.). The ideal "muzzle" length is 2 to 2-1/2 inches (5.08 cm. to 6.35 cm.). One-half inch (1.27) variation is acceptable.

NOSE: Color of "nose": Black, Gray, or Red.

BITE: 1/4 to 1 inch (6.35 mm. to 2.54 cm.) "Undershot", depending on size of dog and shape of skull. 

EYES: Almond-shaped to round, medium-sized. Color: Brown is the ideal color; however, Blue, Gray and Green eyes will occur.

EARS: "Rose Ears", small-to-medium, carried close to the head.

NECK: Very muscular, almost equal to the skull in size; slightly arched and of moderate length.

BODY: Wide, deep chest, fairly compact. The "loin" is wide, very muscular and slightly arched.

TAIL: Strong at the root and tapering to the hocks (in the rest position). The tail is carried over the back when excited or walking.

COAT: Short and smooth.

COLOR: "Solid White": all shades of "Brindle" (white, red, yellow, blue, brown, black or gray): "Red & White": "Fawn & White": "Beige & White": "Buckskin & White": "Black & White": "Brown & White": "Mahogany & White": "Cream & White".

FOREQUARTERS: The combined front assembly from its uppermost component, the shoulder blades, down to the feet, should be muscular and slightly sloping. The "forelegs" are to be straight.

BONE STRUCTURE: Medium-to-heavy, to be able to carry a large dog.

HINDQUARTERS: Broad with muscles tapering well down the leg to manifest speed and strength, but not quite as large as at the shoulders.

FAULTS:

TEMPERAMENT: Excessively shy; overly aggressive

FACE & MUZZLE: Full black mask

BITE: Even & Scissor bite

EYES: Crossed [or non-symmetrical], both eyes not of the same color, pink eye rims, and excessive haw visible (A third eyelid in the inside corner of the eye; the most common are ectropion [eyelids that turn out], entroprion [eyelids that turn in], distichiasis [lashes that project towards the surface of the eye from abnormal locations], and prolapsed gland of the nictians [referred to "cherry eye" by breeders].)

EARS: Cropped or hound-type ears

NECK: Too short, thick, thin, or weak

BACK: Too narrow, roached, swayed, or excessively long

FOREQUARTERS: Elbows turned outward, front legs bowed, wrists knuckled over, toeing in or out

HINDQUARTERS: Narrow or weak, straight or over angulated knee [stifle]

LEGS: Bow-legged, cow-hocked, weak pasterns

FEET: Splayfoot [crooked toes]

TAIL: Corkscrew, crooked [kinked], curled over the back

 SHOW RING DISQUALIFICATION:

Full "Black Mask": "Cow-Hocked": "Splayfooted": "Even & Scissor bite": "Docked tail" not for show ring: "Glass Eye(s)" or Crossed: Spayed or Neutered; males who are unilaterally or bilaterally crypt orchid [testicles that are abnormally retained in the abdominal cavity]: Long &/or feathered coats: Blind: Deaf: Vicious; Shy: Flat Black or Blue color.

The True American Bulldog Performance Type

Breed Standard for the what is traditionally known as the "Scott American Bulldog" (also named by some modernists in the USA & Australia as "Standard").  The Performance Type includes the Scott American Bulldog; the Old Southern American Bulldog; the Margentina/Painter American Bulldog and the many other small breeders of The Performance Bulldog distinct from Scott lines (like Joshua and Sand Valley etc).  The Performance Type name; does not diminish the deserved recognition of Mr. Scott's contribution to The American Bulldog - it simply provides a reasonable descriptive container for all Bulldogs that were bred for performance purposes as opposed to those bred to protect farms; known as Plantation Bulldogs (Johnsons, aka Classics).

As determined by J. D. Johnson with the 87.5% Johnson Blood Rule.  The same applies to Performance Bulldogs (with 100% Bulldog Blood).  This includes a variety of Phenotype's also.  The Performance True American Bulldog is not a reconstruction but the direct pure blood descendant of and faithfully preserved "Hunting Bulldog" of The South.  And combines three of the four traditional American representations of The Bulldog.  As discussed in the Johnson (Classic)Breed Standard previously and above.  The focus of these Types being performance, hence the name "Performance Type" (a.k.a "Standard Type" which is a subjective term with no real substance or descriptive benefit).                                 

                                                     The True American Bulldog "Performance Type" (a.k.a Standard)

TEMPERAMENT: Courageous and willing to work;  thrives on activity; intelligent; easily engaged in prey drive activities; not dog aggressive.  Possesses next level energy and drive especially for chasing and holding activities and games.

PURPOSE: Primarily hunting; but also working livestock; protection, companionship, catching cattle and hogs etc.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Being that of a grand and powerful dog showing strength and alertness. Powerfully built, having an surpassing endurance.

SIZE: Males should measure between 23 to 26 inches (58 cm. to 66 cm.) at the withers; 1 inch (2.54 cm.) variation in height allowed. Weighing between 85 to 110 pounds (39 kg. to 50 kg.). Plus or minus 5 to 10 pounds (2.2 kg. to 4.5 kg.) is acceptable.

SIZE: Females should measure between 20 to 23 inches (51 cm. to 58 cm.) at the withers; 1 inch (2.54 cm.) variation in height allowed. Weighing between 70 to 95 pounds (32 kg. to 43 kg.). Plus or minus 5 to 10 pounds (2.2 kg. to 4.5 kg.) is acceptable.

HEAD: The face of the dog should indicate intelligence, with discerning alertness. The shape of the skull can be either square or wedge shaped that is well muscled. The "stop" should be abrupt.

MUZZLE: The "muzzle" should be broad, not long and narrow. The length of the "muzzle" should be 1-1/2 to 3 inches (3.81 cm. to 7.62 cm.). The ideal "muzzle" length is 2 to 2-1/2 inches (5.08 cm. to 6.35 cm.). One-half inch (1.27 cm.) variation is acceptable.

NOSE: Color of "nose": Black; however, Red, Brown or Gray colors will occur.

BITE: Depending on size of dog and shape of skull. Reverse scissor bite preferred; undershot up to 1/4 inch (.62 cm.). Plus or minus 1/8 (.31 cm.) inch is acceptable.

EYES: Almond-shaped to round, medium-sized. Color: Brown is the ideal color; however, Blue, Gray and Green eyes will occur. Black eye rims are ideal; the haw should not be visible.

EARS: "Rose Ears", small-to-medium, carried close to the head.

NECK: Very muscular, almost equal to the skull in size; slightly arched and of moderate length.

BODY: Wide, deep chest, fairly compact. The "loin" is wide, very muscular and slightly arched.

TAIL: Strong at the root and tapering to the hocks (in the rest position). The tail is carried over the back when excited or walking.

COAT: Short and smooth.

FEET: Toes are tight and well arched.

COLOR: "Solid White": all shades of "Brindle" (white, red, yellow, blue, brown, black or gray): "Red & White": "Fawn & White": "Beige & White": "Buckskin & White": "Black & White": "Brown & White": "Mahogany & White": "Cream & White".

FOREQUARTERS: The combined front assembly from its uppermost component, the shoulder blades, down to the feet, should be muscular and slightly sloping. The "forelegs" are to be straight.

BONE STRUCTURE: Medium-to-heavy, to be able to carry a large dog.

HINDQUARTERS: Broad with muscles tapering well down the leg to manifest speed and strength, but not quite as large as at the shoulders.

FAULTS:

TEMPERAMENT: Excessively shy & overly aggressive

FACE & MUZZLE: Full black mask; pendulous lips

NOSE: Pink or Flesh-colored [Dudley]

BITE: Small teeth or uneven incisors

EYES: Crossed [or non-symmetrical], both eyes not of the same color, pink eye rims, and excessive haw visible (A third eyelid in the inside corner of the eye; the most common are ectropion [eyelids that turn out], entroprion [eyelids that turn in], distichiasis [lashes that project towards the surface of the eye from abnormal locations], and prolapsed gland of the nictians [referred to "cherry eye" by breeders].)

EARS: "Cropped" or hound-type ears

NECK: Too short, thick, thin, or weak

BACK: Narrow, roached, swayed, or excessively long

FOREQUATERS: Loaded shoulders, elbows turned outward, front legs bowed, wrists knuckled over, toeing in or out

HINDQUARTERS: Narrow or weak, straight or over angulated knee [stifle]

LEGS: Bow-legged, cow-hocked, weak pasterns

FEET: Splayfoot [crooked toes]

TAIL: Corkscrew, crooked [kinked], curled over the back

SHOW RING DISQUALIFICATIONS:

Full "Black Mask": "Cow-Hocked": "Splayfooted": "Even & Scissor bite": "Docked tail" not for show ring: "Glass Eye(s)" or Crossed: Spayed or Neutered; males who are unilaterally or bilaterally crypt orchid [testicles that are abnormally retained in the abdominal cavity]: Long &/or feathered coats: Blind: Deaf: Vicious: Shy: Flat Black or Blue color

© Copyright The True American Bulldog Original Club of Australia